We all have those days where we just don’t feel like doing anything. Even though there’s a long list of to dos to get done and things that need our immediate attention. But what happens when you just don’t feel it? You know, the days when your to-do list looks more like a novel, and there’s a million things calling for your attention, but your brain won’t escape the thought of “Yeah, we’re not doing none of that today, sis.”
We’ve all been there. It could be that time of the month, family drama could be sucking the life out of you, or maybe your partner is acting like an unpaid intern in your relationship. Whatever it is, productivity and your goals don’t care about the chaos. But let’s be honest, Luv, there’s only so much we can handle mentally, emotionally, and physically before we turn into a meme-worthy meltdown.
What to do when you have no motivation
Motivation is like a drug. It’s amazing when it hits, but the crash afterward? Brutal. One minute you’re hyped up, ready to conquer the world, and the next, you’re back to scrolling Instagram playing the comparison game wondering where it all went wrong. The truth is, motivation is unreliable and it’s not what gets things done. So don’t rely on it.
The real magic is in building habits and systems that keep you moving forward even when the motivation fizzles out.
How to Be Highly Productive
Acknowledge the Feels and Assess Your Options
When you’re deep in “I don’t give a….” mode, it’s okay to pause and sit with it. Acknowledge the fact that you’re not feeling it and ask yourself: Is this thing really that important, or can I just marinate in my misery for a little longer? If it’s important, cool—let’s figure out how to do it. If it’s not, congrats, you’ve just eliminated one thing from your list.
Write Down the Consequences
Sometimes the fear of failure or consequences is exactly what you need to get your mind right. If you’re overwhelmed by not wanting to do the thing, grab a pen (or your notes app) and write down what happens if you don’t. Will you miss a deadline, piss off your boss, or add more stress to tomorrow? Seeing the downside in writing makes it harder to avoid the task, and let’s be honest, tomorrow you’ll be even more annoyed with yourself.
Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Method
Mel Robbins knew what she was doing with this one. When you’ve fallen into the “Nahh I’m not feeling it” vibe, count down from five and force yourself to move as soon as you hit one. Seriously, just do it. It sounds too simple to work, but it’s science-backed and has saved me from hours of procrastination spirals. I promise, something happens to you in that count down that just makes you bolt up like Superwoman.
Boosting Productivity: The Impact of Journaling – The Nerd Bae
Outsource Yourself
If you’ve got the coins, sis, outsource it. Seriously, life doesn’t have to be this hard. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are full of people ready and willing to tackle the tasks you just don’t have the energy for. And if it’s cooking or cleaning that’s dragging you down, let me put you on game: with a couple hundred bucks a month, you can have a housekeeper or meal-prep service/chef swoop in and make your life infinitely easier. It’s not lazy—it’s called delegation, and it’s a boss move.
Pomodoro with Friends
You don’t have to do this alone. I mean… If you don’t have friends, this might be an issue but there are plenty of coworking apps where you can find a buddy to work with. Working in timed sessions with my friends has been a life saver for getting things done and being highly productive. We usually set an hour aside every week and work in 25-minute sessions.
This helps us to connect and forces us to get things done and stay on top of our goals. The group chat is called “accountability” and that’s exactly what we do, hold each other accountable for the stuff we said we’d do but secretly wanted to avoid. It’s not just about getting work done—it’s about knowing someone’s out there watching the clock with you, cheering you on, and maybe side-eyeing you if you start slacking.
How to be productive at home
Being highly productive at home can feel like an uphill battle when your couch is calling and your fridge keeps winking at you. The key is to create an environment that supports your goals instead of sabotaging them. Start by setting up a dedicated workspace that says, “I’m here to body my whole to-do list, not binge-watch shows.” Establish a routine, because working in your pajamas might feel cute at first, but structure is what keeps the momentum going. Finally, eliminate distractions.
Yes, that means silencing notifications and maybe even putting your phone in another room if necessary. Productivity at home isn’t magic; it’s all about setting the vibe and sticking to it.
My Final Thoughts on How to Get More Done
Productivity isn’t about grinding 24/7 or magically staying motivated every second of the day. It’s about understanding how your brain works and setting yourself up for success, even when you’d rather do anything but work. Science backs this up: your brain thrives on dopamine—the feel-good neurotransmitter that spikes when you achieve small wins. That’s why breaking tasks into manageable chunks or using methods like Pomodoro works so well; they keep the dopamine flowing and the overwhelm in check.
Another tip? Pay attention to your ultradian rhythms—your body naturally works best in 90-minute focus cycles, followed by 20-minute breaks. Respecting this rhythm can help you stay highly productive without burning out.
At the end of the day, productivity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress. Some days you’ll crush it, and others, you’ll just survive—and that’s okay. Use the tools, tips, and a little science to keep moving forward, one task at a time.
